Ski Hill Loop Trail

This morning us gals met up at the Ski Hill Trail, located all the way at the top of Ski Hill Road. What a nice morning it turned out to be-sunshine, blue skies, and the perfect temperature. Checking our gear over (water..check..coffee..check check..), we headed out on our most challenging hike ever (well for one of us anyway).

The trail which is used by mountain bikers, walkers and runners, becomes a very challenging Nordic or snowshoe course in the winter months. Seriously some of these hills on cross-country skis? Wow. Something to aspire to do. Talk about getting your buns into shape! Kids and families also enjoy the two rope-tows for downhill skiing, and the tubing hill complete with a lift, which is a total blast. Some of us are guilty of getting as much "tube-time" in as the kids. ( I am not mentioning any names, you know who you are.)

Upwards and onwards and we couldn't help but enjoy the splashes of colors from the native wildflowers such as purple Lupin, yellow "Mule-Ears" and this darling little wild pea that popped up here and there. We went by the famous ski-jumps which are rich in ski-jumping history. During the 1930s through the 1960s, thousands of people would take the train or drive to Leavenworth to watch ski jumping competitions. Skiers came from all over the world to compete with U.S. jumpers.

On our way down the trail (going down rocks!) we checked out the The Leavenworth Summer Theater outdoor venue which sits just off the trail complete with the most incredible view of the Cascades - the Hills Are Alive!

Blackbird Island-Waterfront Park

We actually walked this park, the same day as the Pipeline trail since that one is only 2.5 miles and we needed to take on a few more miles. This riverfront park is peaceful and super for a stroll or a jog. In the winter it becomes a cross-country skiing hub, and Fido is welcome on a leash. Access to this park is from downtown Leavenworth off of Commercial Street. Lots of families walk this park, old to young, easy peasy!

The river is amazing right now too, with the snow pack melting, rafters and kayakers must be having a ball!

First Hike-Pipeline Trail/Leavenworth

We are a group of gals (who for now plan to remain anonymous), hiking each week in the Leavenworth area partly because we love the beauty of this area, and partly because we want (and for some of us need) to get in shape! Our first outing was to ease us into the hiking mode so we headed out to the Pipline Trail. This trail is not so much a "hike" but more like a nice scenic walk, perfect for our first time out together. 

You probably have noticed the old metal bridge spanning Tumwater Canyon just before you get to Leavenworth while you are driving on Highway 2. If you pull off and park in the parking area, you can pick up the trail and cross the bridge. The Old Pipeline Trail got it's name as it follows the route of the Penstock pipeline that carried water to power electricity for the Great Northern Railroad. It really is a fun, easy walk, in a beautiful area. We plan on hiking and blogging the "hike of the week" each week, so stay tuned!